Stoner, James L.

James L. Stoner, 83, of Cedar Rapids, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on May 4, 2012. Memorial Service: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 9, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, by the Rev. Curt Moermond. Military honors by American Legion Post 727. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirley; son, Michael (Jeanne) Stoner, and daughter, Linda Stoner, all of Cedar Rapids; four grandchildren, Angie (Chancy) Pierce, Tracy (Brian) Moore, Laura (Larry) Geesaman and Mick Stoner; seven great-grandchildren; his dog and man's best friend, Blackie; and many close friends.

Jim was born Sept. 7, 1928, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Herbert and Lena (Bokorney) Stoner. He attended country grade school (near Waconia Avenue SW) and Wilson High School. Jim served in the U.S. Navy and the Seabees near the end of World War II. After his service, he returned home, where he met Shirley Floyd. They married March 4, 1950, in Cedar Rapids.

For 17 years, he worked in maintenance for IES at the Prairie Creek Station, and then went on to farming and working in general construction and truck driving. His CB radio handle was the “Streaker.”

Jim really enjoyed fishing and boating, taking many trips to Canada and also fishing the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf of Mexico. He enjoyed motorcycles and was the best outdoor grill cook. Jim was very handy and was known to be able to fix most anything.

His family and friends will greatly miss him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Helen Stoner Elliot.

Memorials are suggested to St. Luke's Hospice.

Please sign the online guest book and share a memory about Jim at www.stewartbaxter.com.

Published May 6, 2012, in The Gazette